In a matter of less than two hours, I had interactions with two different people and the strangest part is that my own reactions to those interactions totally changed the situations.
With the first situation, I needed to call up a receptionist and confirm some information with her. I was worried and already had fear building up inside me. From the moment I started to speak to her on the phone, I could tell there was miscommunication. It just kept getting worse. Yet instead of stopping to think about the moment I was in, all I could think about was my worry and fear. I found myself getting more and more frustrated with the situation and how it wasn’t going the way that I expected it to go. When I finally got off the phone and had a minute to think, I realized that if I had approached the situation with love, patience, and understanding instead of worry and fear, there might be a chance that I would feel different coming away from the interaction.
With the second situation, I had to confirm an appointment with a colleague. He wasn’t going to be able to make the appointment and needed to reschedule. I was able to approach this situation with love, patience, and understanding. In fact, I found myself empathizing with this man and the situation he has found himself in. Again, the situation wasn’t going the way I expected, but this time because I had an open heart, I was able to flow with life instead of fight against it.
It isn’t an easy approach to take. It requires being mindful and I am finding that I am like a child trying to practice something that is challenging for a Zen master to practice, but I am willing to try. I have a lifetime to learn how to do it and with God’s help I am certain I will grow and get better.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
